Shafali Verma in the limelight as India Women look for further fine-tuning against the Netherlands

India are in the Women’s World Cup T20 and could hardly have asked for a better start to their campaign after an impressive 64-run win over Pakistan in their opening match. Their attention now turns to Wednesday’s clash against tournament debutants the Netherlands at Headingley in Leeds.

While India will start as overwhelming favourites, the match presents an opportunity that goes beyond securing two points. Harmanpreet Kaur’s side are yet to face tournament heavyweights including Australia and South Africa, meaning they have not been tested to their full potential.

As a result, the clash with the Netherlands offers India a valuable chance to fine-tune their combinations, build momentum and address any problem areas ahead of tougher challenges.

WILL SHAFALI RETURN TO FORM?

Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana will hold the key to India’s World Cup chances. Courtesy: Reuters

Going into the next match, one of India’s biggest concerns will be the form of Shafali Verma, who has endured a lean run with the bat in recent weeks. In her last six T20Is, Shafali managed just 54 runs at an average of nine. She was in excellent touch during the early stages of India’s tour of South Africa earlier this year, but has struggled to maintain that form since then.

Against Pakistan, Shafali showed flashes of her explosive ability when she blasted Sadia Iqbal for a towering six straight down the ground. However, in the same over, she was undone by a rising delivery from the left-arm spinner and was dismissed.

Before the World Cup, India’s opening combination was a cause for concern, with both openers looking for runs. While Smriti Mandhana has already returned to form with a scintillating 68 against Pakistan, Shafali is still struggling to rediscover her rhythm. A strong score against the Netherlands could do wonders for their confidence ahead of India’s crucial clash with South Africa.

YASTIKA OVER FULMALI?

Yastika Bhatia did not play the match against Pakistan. Courtesy: PTI

Bharti Fulmali scored a half-century against West Indies in the innings but endured a disappointing spell against Pakistan, losing to Sadia Iqbal. She also had an off day in the field, leading to questions about her place in the playing eleven. If India decide to drop Fulmali, the focus will shift to who could replace her.

Former Indian batsman and former chief selector Hemlata Kala believes Yastika Bhatia should get an opportunity. Kala said Yastika offers valuable flexibility as he can bat not only in the top order but also in the middle order if needed.

“I would like to see Yastika in the playing eleven. She doesn’t necessarily bat at No. 3. She can play in the middle order as well and we should use her. She did well in the recent series against England as well,” Kala told PTI.

Yastika recently returned from a long injury lay-off and impressed during India’s tour of England, including a 31-ball half-century in the series opener. She also looked in good touch during the warm-up games, making her a strong option for India against the Netherlands.

WILL RENUKA SINGH RETURN?

Renuka Singh will be key to India’s World Cup chances. Courtesy: PTI

Renuka Singh Thakur is expected to be India’s lead rider but she did not feature in the match against Pakistan. In her absence, Arundhati Reddy and Kranti Goud were given the upper hand with the new ball, but the duo struggled, conceding 35 runs in their three overs and giving Pakistan a strong start in the powerplay.

Renuka has not been a regular in the team since he returned from an injury layoff last September. However, India may need to provide consistent opportunities to regain their rhythm ahead of key matches in the tournament.

Against Pakistan, the spinners eventually pulled things back and helped India secure a comfortable victory. But if the spin attack faltered, early overs from Arundhati and Kranti could have left India under considerable pressure.

India also have the option of Nandni Sharma, who impressed with a three-wicket haul on her debut during the bilateral series against England.

HOW GOOD ARE THE NETHERLANDS?

Netherlands are playing their first Women’s T20 World Cup. Courtesy: Reuters

While the focus will be on the Indian team, the Netherlands should not be completely underestimated. Babette de Leede’s side made Bangladesh work hard in their previous match before falling short in the end.

Richa Ghosh also warned against taking the opposition lightly and stressed that India must not undermine their challenge. She acknowledged the threat posed by the Dutch side, particularly their bowling attack.

“I saw them before the World Cup. I watched their matches and they have good bowlers. It’s the first time for them, right? So they’re doing really well,” Richa said at the pre-match press conference.

“Any team can perform well and I think they did really well and that’s why they’re here. We don’t take any team lightly and we’re just looking forward to the challenge,” she added.

Players like Iris Zwilling, who has over 100 T20I wickets, along with Caroline de Lange and Silver Siegers, have been key contributors for the Netherlands.

India will start as favorites in the next match but the Dutch remain the side to watch given their recent rise and performances.

Indian women vs. Dutch Women Head-to-Head

India and Netherlands are yet to face each other in the Women’s T20I. However, the two sides have met three times in women’s ODIs, with India holding a 3-0 head-to-head record.

India Women vs Netherlands Women Full Teams

India women

Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Bharti Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, Shree Charani, Yastika Bhatia, Nandani Sharma, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh, Kranti Gaud, Shreyanka Patil, Radhadavka Patil

Dutch women

Sterre Kalis, Sanya Khurana, Phebe Molkenboer, Babette de Leede (c) (week), Robine Rijke, Iris Zwilling, Heather Siegers, Frederique Overdijk, Caroline de Lange, Silver Siegers, Isabel Woning

When to watch India vs Netherlands Women’s World Cup T20 match?

The match between India and Netherlands will start at 19:00 IST and 14:30 local time.

Where to watch India vs Netherlands Women’s World Cup T20 match?

Star Sports Network has the broadcast rights for Women’s World Cup T20 2026. Live streaming of the match will be available on JioHotstar.

– The end

Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

17 Jun 2026 06:00 IST